𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐇𝐀𝐈𝐒 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐏𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥

By: Marlette A. Salino

To improve the reading ability and foster inclusive learning environment, North Hill Arbours Integrated School has recently implemented the NHAIS Reading WARRIORS (We Are Ready to Reinforce, Instill, and Offer Reading Services), a School-Based Tutorial Program.

The NHAIS reading WARRIORS hopes to jumpstart a culture of helping one another in school with the Peer-to-peer tutorial program for reading. The school acknowledges that their is a need for a reading intervention program to assist learners struggling to read. Prepping for their deployment, in the picture from left to right are NHAIS teachers Mr. Christian Artoza and Ms. Marlette Salino, the NHAIS reading WARRIORS, and School Head Mr. Harold Naputo.

Considered as one of the Reading Intervention Program of the school, the NHAIS Reading WARRIORS is anchored to the MATATAG Curriculum of the Department of Education as it represents one of the critical component, which is the TA (Take good care of learners by promoting learner well –being, inclusive education), including the provision of a positive learning environment. It should be noted that the curriculum aims to focus more on the development of foundation skills especially in literacy.

On March 8, 2024, Friday, nine Volunteered Peer Tutors from Grade 10 began their work in helping their identified peer a reading material suited for their level as per assessment from their English teachers.

The program, launched this month, paired students who need assistance in reading with volunteer peer tutors, who were also given orientations on what to do in the 30-minute long peer tutoring program.

Peer tutors are set to meet his/her tutee every Friday starting this month until May this year.

As per research, this approach does not only provide reading support between learners, but it also promotes leadership skills and develop a holistic growth to our learners.

NHAIS adopted and patterned the formal tutoring program from DepEd Schools Division of Sarangani, Region XII SOCCSKSARGEN, where the proponents gave a training on Peer-to-Peer Program last November 29, 2023. Alongside the materials, which included a laminating machine, among others, these were all made possible through the generosity of the Humanitarian Services of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints held at Fatima Village, Tacloban City.

Staying close to the peer tutors is the teacher guiding the conduct of the activity. It is important that for the process to work, the teacher has to work closely in the first few days of the tutorial day until they can manage the session themselves.

Around seventy-two (72) Volunteered Peer Tutors for both Elementary and Junior High School underwent a one-day orientation to ensure enthusiasm for the program.

They are expected to face and help the 103 identified tutees, 94 for Elementary and 9 for the Junior High School. These identified learners are struggling readers as per assessment using Phil- IRI, EGRA and CRLA pre-reading assessment results for S.Y.2023-2024.